ST Teresa's Catholic College, Noosaville, Principal David McInnes has been recognised with the Outstanding Principal of the Year Award from the Queensland School Library Association (QSLA).
Every year the QSLA awards one principal with the prestigious award for providing outstanding support for their school library and school library staff
With 38 years in education under his belt, Mr McInnes was committed to listening to issues and concerns of library staff and addressing them in a proactive manner.
He held regular monthly meetings with the teacher librarian and ensured the library was adequately funded and staffed to provide quality resources and excellent services for the college.
Mr McInnes said was thrilled to receive the award but was modest about the extent of his involvement.
He said he was humbled to be nominated and while it was nice to be recognised, it is the work of the people in the library that made it a place of joy and learning.
“I've always been a big supporter of school libraries and we have some wonderful programs," he said.
“The space is full of joy and laughter, but teaches them plenty."
He said the quality of the library and its resources played an important role in any college.
“It is a hub that has a hugely positive influence on the learning culture at St Teresa's."
College library staff said the supportive principal was never afraid to get involved, attending guest author visits and workshops, dressed in costume for the annual character parade during Book Week and entertained students with storytelling on National Read Aloud Day.
He also promoted the First Friday Book Club, The Great Book Swap, the Voices on the Coast Literature Festival, the Readers' Cup and encouraged the school's participation the Premier's Reading Challenge.
Teacher librarian Debra McGhee said Mr McInnes ensured the college community valued the importance of the library
Ms McGhee said library staff members collaborated with members of the college community to provide a wide range of relevant resources and services as well as opportunities for contemporary learning.
She said the library was the centre of the college, both physically and academically with hundreds of students and staff accessing the resources and services daily.
"The library is an active partner in developing information-literate students at St Teresa's Catholic College," she said.